USA Duty Import Question - 1st AP

[Tay821]

I've got the cross listed in the Patek forum as I'm working on a Patek purchase as well...

I've been working with an AD in the EU on purchasing my first AP and am trying to figure out what the duty would be when sending to the US where I reside. I've read conflicting percentages on different threads in this forum and want to be sure because the difference could be in the thousands.

I've used the duty import calculator online that Pitney Bowes has and have come up with two different numbers between the AD and I. The calculator is confusing if you're unfamiliar. His number is quite different from mine and it almost makes the purchase not worth it, however, the number I used makes it worthwhile with the FX and VAT back.

Does anyone have any experience in shipping a watch to the US? Any advice is appreciated.

[jem7v]

Originally Posted by Tay821

I've got the cross listed in the Patek forum as I'm working on a Patek purchase as well...

I've been working with an AD in the EU on purchasing my first AP and am trying to figure out what the duty would be when sending to the US where I reside. I've read conflicting percentages on different threads in this forum and want to be sure because the difference could be in the thousands.

I've used the duty import calculator online that Pitney Bowes has and have come up with two different numbers between the AD and I. The calculator is confusing if you're unfamiliar. His number is quite different from mine and it almost makes the purchase not worth it, however, the number I used makes it worthwhile with the FX and VAT back.

Does anyone have any experience in shipping a watch to the US? Any advice is appreciated.

Ship the watch separate from the papers and have it labeled as used. You avoid all import duty.

[GB-man]

Or just find an AD stateside willing to work with you instead AP dealers are very willing to deal in my experience.

[texex91]

Unless it's a $150k + watch, I'd buy US, find a great deal and be done.

My time is worth more than screwing around with all of that VAT / US Customs stuff

[Tay821]

It's a 15400 blue. If you know of a boutique that will work with me let me know.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by Tay821

It's a 15400 blue. If you know of a boutique that will work with me let me know.

Phone is your friend--that is NOT worth the VAT hassle IMHO.

Check with grays as well--that watch is not hard to source.

You'll enjoy it!

[Tay821]

Would end up being ~$14.5k net of VAT and FX. Could get it t the boutique here for list but they offered 5yr warranty and 1st service free. Do you think this is worthwhile to purchase here?

[texex91]

Originally Posted by Tay821

Would end up being ~$14.5k net of VAT and FX. Could get it t the boutique here for list but they offered 5yr warranty and 1st service free. Do you think this is worthwhile to purchase here?

Only you can answer that question...it's your $$.

[Tay821]

Service cost is ~$1,000? I'm unfamiliar with that. I realize the 5 yr warranty is worth something as well. If so, I suppose I'm talking myself into getting it here.

[jem7v]

Depends how much you are saving. To me the extra 2 year warranty and 1000 service isn't worth like 15k savings. At least that is how much I saved on my new one by not going to the boutique.

[Tay821]

Originally Posted by jem7v

Depends how much you are saving. To me the extra 2 year warranty and 1000 service isn't worth like 15k savings. At least that is how much I saved on my new one by not going to the boutique.

It would be about a 3k-3500 savings

[lapince]

Originally Posted by Tay821

It would be about a 3k-3500 savings

I'd go for the savings

[Manofsteelpt]

Originally Posted by jem7v

Depends how much you are saving. To me the extra 2 year warranty and 1000 service isn't worth like 15k savings. At least that is how much I saved on my new one by not going to the boutique.

Wow, you saved $15k on a 44 CE?

OP... Guess it depends on how you value the extra 2 yrs warranty and free service.

[jem7v]

Originally Posted by Manofsteelpt

Wow, you saved $15k on a 44 CE?

OP... Guess it depends on how you value the extra 2 yrs warranty and free service.

Well if you want to get technical then kinda less, since I got raped on my trade in by about 2k.

So if you add the value I paid for my trade in, plus the cash I paid, then it was slightly less than that, but still a good deal.

[Tay821]

Sorry looking to clarify here. It's not 15k in savings. Stupid iPhone auto correct. As I said a couple posts above it would be 3k-3500 in savings

[Tay821]

Originally Posted by Manofsteelpt

Wow, you saved $15k on a 44 CE?

OP... Guess it depends on how you value the extra 2 yrs warranty and free service.

How would YOU value it? I know you're more well versed with AP than I.

[Krystyna1226]

I bought my 15400 blue dial from EU boutique myself. I paid few hundreds for duty tax and about $1,200 for CA used tax. It was worth it for me. Even after paying all taxes I still saved few thousands and I have RO blue dial on my left wrist. My favorite and most beautiful time piece in my collections. Wear it in good health! ������

[Manofsteelpt]

Originally Posted by Tay821

How would YOU value it? I know you're more well versed with AP than I.

For $3k or slightly more, I'd save the cash. 3 yrs of warranty is awesome and u prolly won't need a service for 6+ yrs.

Now, if it $3k, and then u have to pay $1k in duty/fees, then for $2k I'm buying domestic. Added bonus here, I'm sure the boutique has some nice AP goodies they can throw in for u too.